Brownback v. King
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Brownback v. King and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Brownback v. King.
In Brownback v. King, the Supreme Court addressed whether the District Court's dismissal of FTCA claims constituted a judgment on the merits, thus triggering the judgment bar against Bivens claims. The Court found that the District Court's dismissal was a judgment on the merits, as it involved a decision on the substantive elements of the FTCA claims. This decision reversed the Sixth Circuit's ruling.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Brownback v. King.
The Court held that the District Court's order was a judgment on the merits of the FTCA claims that can trigger the judgment bar.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Brownback v. King. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to Brownback v. King
The case involves the procedural aspect of whether a judgment on the merits can trigger the judgment bar, which is a procedural due process issue.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The District Court's order was a judgment on the merits of the FTCA claims that can trigger the judgment bar.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Brownback v. King
The Court reviewed whether the District Court's dismissal was a judgment on the merits, implicating judicial review of lower court decisions.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The District Court's summary judgment ruling dismissing King's FTCA claims hinged on a quintessential merits decision.
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Why Standing is relevant to Brownback v. King
The case discusses subject-matter jurisdiction, which is closely related to standing, as it determines the court's ability to hear the case.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)In passing on King's FTCA claims, the District Court also determined that it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over those claims.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Brownback v. King that support the summary and concepts above.
The District Court's order was a judgment on the merits of the FTCA claims that can trigger the judgment bar.
The court's alternative Rule 12(b)(6) holding also passed on the substance of King's FTCA claims.
A ruling that the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction may simultaneously be a judgment on the merits that can trigger the judgment bar.
